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2017 Ford Escape

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Escape years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Ford Escape are substantially higher than the model-year median of 996.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,155 reports with mileage · 1,522 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 1,564 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 507 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 390 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

39 crash reports15 fire reports38 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

507 reports
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73,599 miles · Mar 29, 2023
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the contact's son, an independent mechanic, with coolant intrusion into cylinder #2, and that the s…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the contact's son, an independent mechanic, with coolant intrusion into cylinder #2, and that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 73,599.

NHTSA ODI #11514424

107,000 miles · Mar 28, 2023
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal amount of smoke come from the exhaust system. The contact reversed out of the garage and parked the vehicle in the driveway. The contact turned off the vehicle and while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle would n…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal amount of smoke come from the exhaust system. The contact reversed out of the garage and parked the vehicle in the driveway. The contact turned off the vehicle and while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the head gasket had failed, and that the engine might need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 107,000.

NHTSA ODI #11514222

93,000 miles · Mar 28, 2023
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle off the highway as he was on the exit ramp and had slowed to 35 MPH the vehicle began to shake and then stalled. The contact stated that he noticed that when the…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle off the highway as he was on the exit ramp and had slowed to 35 MPH the vehicle began to shake and then stalled. The contact stated that he noticed that when the vehicle had reached a half tank of gasoline, the check engine warning light would illuminate. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had leaked into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

NHTSA ODI #11514198

55,000 miles · Mar 24, 2023
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the engine coolant warning light illuminated, and the "Pull Over Safely" message was displayed after starting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated th…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the engine coolant warning light illuminated, and the "Pull Over Safely" message was displayed after starting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 40 MPH, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, where a diagnostic test retrieved several codes for overheating and coolant failure. The mechanic made the contact aware of Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 (Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion) and advised him to take the vehicle to a local dealer for further diagnostic tests and repairs. The vehicle had not yet been taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the Customer Satisfaction Program. The contact was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA ODI #11513683

29,275 miles · Mar 9, 2023
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the “High Engine Temperature - Stop Safely" message was displayed. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle and the vehicle hesitated upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a d…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the “High Engine Temperature - Stop Safely" message was displayed. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle and the vehicle hesitated upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a coolant leak within the engine block. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 29,275.

NHTSA ODI #11510944

100,000 miles · Mar 1, 2023
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle started smoking from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the wiring harness under the hood had melted and that the vehicle needed a new engine, wiring harness, and catalytic converter. The ve…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle started smoking from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the wiring harness under the hood had melted and that the vehicle needed a new engine, wiring harness, and catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11509729

Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2023
EngineEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

The engine is experience the COOLANT INTRUSION problem . This is a SAFETY problem driving on the roads. It may at some point emit white smoke out the exhaust and causing the engine to run poorly. There by possibly causing a fatal accident !!! Ford REFUSES to fix the problem because the coolant intrusion happen after their No…

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The engine is experience the COOLANT INTRUSION problem . This is a SAFETY problem driving on the roads. It may at some point emit white smoke out the exhaust and causing the engine to run poorly. There by possibly causing a fatal accident !!! Ford REFUSES to fix the problem because the coolant intrusion happen after their November 30, 2022 deadline. The car only has 28,500 mile on it and running fine at that time. While at the dealership, Only to be told there was nothing they could do. It was up to Ford Headquarters, They weren't responsible because we missed the software update. Ford corporate as true to form. Gave us the RUN AROUND . Somebody going to get KILLED because of their defective product !!!

NHTSA ODI #11508450

Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2023
Engine And Engine Cooling

Coolant leaking into cylinders resulting in engine misfiring and not running correctly.

NHTSA ODI #11508287

88,802 miles · Feb 10, 2023
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated when she started the vehicle, the "engine fault service now" message was displayed. The contact stated that later the "high-temperature stop now" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she pulled over and turned the vehicle off. Once she felt that the temper…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated when she started the vehicle, the "engine fault service now" message was displayed. The contact stated that later the "high-temperature stop now" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she pulled over and turned the vehicle off. Once she felt that the temperature was normal, she restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the warning lights illuminated intermittently. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into the cylinder bores and the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the dealer that she would have been covered by Customer Satisfaction Program: 19B37 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the warranty had expired. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,802.

NHTSA ODI #11506689

77,747 miles · Feb 8, 2023
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #3, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufa…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #3, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,747.

NHTSA ODI #11506262

Official recalls

4

26V374000 · Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls

Jun 9, 2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Escape vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 16V617. The power-operated windows may exert excessive force when encountering an object, before they automatically reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 22, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C29. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.

26V011000 · Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater

Jan 15, 2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.

22V413000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod

Jun 10, 2022

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

16V617000 · Electrical System:software; Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls

Aug 24, 2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016. The settings for the closing-force of the power-operated windows may allow the windows to close on an object such as a body part and injure it before the windows auto-reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. The recall began on September 6, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C12.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016. The settings for the closing-force of the power-operated windows may allow the windows to close on an object such as a body part and injure it before the windows auto-reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Consequence: If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. The recall began on September 6, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C12.

Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016. The settings for the closing-force of the power-operated windows may allow the windows to close on an object such as a body part and injure it before the windows auto-reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Consequence: If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. The recall began on September 6, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C12.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Ford Escape problems